Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in the gardens of Government House the morning after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on Jan 30, 2023. Djokovic has applied for special permission to enter the United States to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje said on Feb 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic, one of the most high-profile unvaccinated athletes in the world, has applied for special permission to enter the United States to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje said on Friday.

The US vaccine requirement for foreign air travelers is not expected to be lifted before main draw action at Indian Wells kicks off on March 9. The Miami Open runs from March 22 to April 2.

World number one Djokovic was named this week on the entry list for Indian Wells, where he is a five-time champion.

World number one Novak Djokovic was named this week on the entry list for Indian Wells, where he is a five-time champion

"Novak has to obtain special permission as the US is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply unbelievable as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike," Djordje told Serbian news agency Tanjug.

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"Novak has submitted all the required documentation and a request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said Novak is needed at those tournaments and that they want him to come.

"There are only a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome."

Last month, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said it would be a "disgrace" if Djokovic was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and other tournaments in the United States this year.

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Djokovic missed last year's Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccine status. He regained entry into the tournament this year and won it to claim a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a press conference following his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia early on Jan 30, 2023. Djokovic has applied for special permission to enter the United States to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje said on Feb 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

The 35-year-old has previously said he would miss Grand Slams rather than receive a COVID-19 vaccine.